Clutch/brake smell?

[mike_hill2107]

Hi,

The last couple of days after I have got out of the car I can smell a brake/clutch smell. The car appears to be performing properly. Does anyone know what might be the cause of this and if I need to address it. Some one told me that it could be the clutch worn down and it starting to slip. It doesn't feel like its slipping but is this the likely cause and how do I know when I definately need to change the clutch if that is the problem?

Thanks

[HiCountryCruisr]

To check if its slipping, put the handbrake on, select fifth gear and let the clutch out. If it still runs the clutch is slipping. If it stalls it is fine. If the smell is worse at the back, going from your other post, I'd say your rear wheel cylinders. Could also be brakes won't lock up.

[mike_hill2107]

Thanks

[mike_hill2107]

I tried putting it in 5th gear and it stalled. I might just wait until it gets worse to fix it. How hard is it to replace the clutch myself and how much time is it likely to take? I have a mate that knows what he's doing but is a 4Runner typically harder or easier than the average car?

[HiCountryCruisr]

It's not really a hard job, just a pain in the a*%e. You will need a clutch aligning tool though. I've heard you can get a universal one, but the ones I've done, just used an old input shaft of got a tool machined up. Measurements are in the gregorys manuals which are real handy to have if you don't already have one.
If the engine stalled, the clutch should be fine. As the old saying goes, if it aint broke, don't fix it!!!!

[Tree cutter]

It could be that your brakes aren't releasing fully. Easiest way to check this is to jack up one wheel at a time and see how hard it is to turn the wheel around by hand. If any wheels are almost impossible to turn by hand then the brakes are probably stuck on.

[Pog]

And also feel your wheels after driving. If one feels noticeable hotter than the rest, check it.

[D Hall]

How old is your bus?
Cheers D Hall

[mike_hill2107]

I have pretty much come to the conclusion that its the clutch (the smell was strongest around the gear box) and there is no brake drag. So I want to sort out what clutch I should get so when it starts to slip noticably (beside the smell) I can order it straight away.

What would you guys recommend on a 1990 2.8D 4Runner? I go up the coast about 4 times a year where I do some beach driving but other than that I just drive it around on normal roads. (I do have ot drive it up steep hills to get to my house, however).
Should I get a standard or heavy duty clutch for my uses?
I found a standard EXEDY clutch for $255 inc postage. CLUTCH KIT NEW - TOYOTA: HILUX 2.8 DIESEL 91- - eBay, Other Car Parts, Accessories, Car Parts, Accessories, Cars, Bikes, Boats. (end time 05-Jun-08 08:05:08 AEST) (http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=170199692851&ru=http%3A%2F%2Fsearch.ebay.com.au%3A80%2Fsearch%2 Fsearch.dll%3Ffrom%3DR40%26_trksid%3Dm37%26satitle %3D170199692851%26category0%3D%26fvi%3D1)
Apparently EXEDY is a pretty good brand. Its about an extra $130 for a heavy duty clutch.

What do you guys think? Heavy Duty or standard? Brand of clutch?